Believing and Belonging

an accessible Anabaptist membership curriculum

illustration of a woman being baptized in a river. The woman and surrounding witnesses have visible signs of disabilities.

"Peter's Sermon," an illustration in Believing and Belonging, available for purchase at Brethren Press.

ADN is excited to present: Believing and Belonging, an Anabaptist baptism and membership curriculum for youth and adults with intellectual disabilities.

This curriculum has 36 lessons covering God's first people, the story of Jesus, the story of the Early Church, Anabaptist beliefs and practices, and a discussion of baptism and membership. Each story features a captivating illustration by Dona Park or real-life photos that assist in understanding. Lessons also involve a "do" portion, with action-items that encourage students to embody what they are learning.

This curriculum is designed as a year-long preparation for a decision about baptism and church membership. The Teacher's Guide includes tips and insights for teaching, as well as a guide for discerning next steps if the ability to choose baptism seems unclear.

Books are available for purchase at Brethren Press.

View a few sample pages:

About the Author:

Jeanne Davies is a smiling, middle-aged adult with graying hair

Jeanne Davies serves as executive director for Anabaptist Disabilities Network. She is ordained in the Church of

the Brethren, has a Master of Divinity degree from Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Indiana, and a

Graduate Certificate in Disability and Ministry from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. Jeanne believes the whole church benefits when all members of the Body are actively connected, with needs addressed and gifts honored.

Featured Illustrations

illustration of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist. A dove flies over Jesus's head.

Reviews

"It is all-too-rare that denominations, churches, and faith traditions provide resources that are easily understood and engaging. It is even rarer that these resources are created from the ground up to be meaningful for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities without coming across as reductive or juvenile. 'Believing and Belonging' is an accessible Anabaptist membership curriculum that manages to be age-appropriate, informative, and engaging for everybody. Between the captivating graphics, robust theology, and opportunities for further engagement and follow-up, I'm thrilled to recommend this resource not only for those who come from my own Anabaptist tradition, and not only for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, but for anyone who is looking to learn about and follow the way of Jesus."

Keith Dow, PhD, Manager of Organizational and Spiritual Life with Christian Horizons

"Believing and Belonging gets to the core of what it means to be a Christian, while also teaching the history and principles of the Anabaptist traditions. It invites teachers and students into a learning relationship that leads them all into a deeper relationship with God and the faith community. Finally, it is a product of believing that everyone can learn and demonstrate their faith at their own level of understanding and action. We are all invited, called, and needed."

Bill Gaventa, M.Div., Consultant, Educator, Author

"Believing and Belonging connects the Old and New Testaments, connects the old story with Jesus and then connects the whole Bible to each one of us. What a beautiful way to prepare people for baptism. This book will help not only our intellectually disabled friends and family as they prepare for baptism, but also each one of us as it strengthens our connections to the Story and to each other."

Michelle Hershberger, MATS in Biblical Studies, Bible and Youth Ministry Professor, Hesston College; Author of God's Story, Our Story

"Thanks to Anabaptist Disabilities Network, churches now have an accessible membership curriculum to welcome persons with intellectual disabilities into fellowship! Faithfully Anabaptist, the curriculum focuses on creating a loving community where people with disabilities are welcomed and their gifts honored. With simple but powerful words and stunning illustrations, the Bible stories will engage students of all ages and levels of understanding. This curriculum will help churches welcome people with disabilities, fully visible and with voice, into full fellowship in the body of Christ. What a gift!"

Joan L Daggett, MAT in Christian Education, Project Director for Shine: Living in God's Light

Opening Doors

Scripture-based Play
Ambler Mennonite uses Legos to engage Scriptures across ages and abilities.
Wounded and Whole
Why does the Resurrected Jesus have wounds? Laura Stone muses in her sermon on disability and wholeness. Plus a sneak peek of Laura and Peggy Gilbert's performance poetry.
Youth Ministry for All Abilities
Resources and reflections from The Gathering Place on youth ministry that includes people with disabilities, from eight Anabaptist writers and speakers.
A Worthy Part of God's Family
Chrissie Denino's church celebrates her baptism after she expresses her faith using sign language.
Community Transformation at L'Arche
Community transformation means offering a stranger a cup of cold water and through that cup of water transforming the relationship into a friendship.

Connections

Accessible Summer Camps
a list of accessible and inclusive Anabaptist Summer Camps.
Talking to God When You're Nonverbal
I want to be baptized too
Martin, who has autism, may never name his baptism in ways that mimic the "right" responses from the Minister's Manual, but he lives his whole life within relationships of friendship with the baptized.